Best Photography Exhibits In Minnesota

Photographs can make time stand still and create life-long memories. The exhibits and galleries below display the creative genius of some of the best photographers showing their work in Minnesota. Each are well worth a visit this spring or summer. Minnesota is chocked full of year-round photographic opportunities, and these professionals clearly show why they are so highly regarded in their field. From the Mississippi and St. Croix River valleys to the Twin Cities and north to the Boundary Waters and Lake Superior, the people and places of the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes' are beautifully captured in these incredible photos.

"Michael Crouser: Mid-Career Retrospective"
Mpls Photo Center
2400 N 2nd St
Minneapolis, MN 55411
(612) 643-3511
mplsphotocenter.com

When: Now through June 16, 2012
Where: Second floor gallery
Cost: Free
Hours: Daily - 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Minneapolis native Michael Crouser, now a Brooklyn resident, first started taking photos at the age of 14. His unique perspective in this exhibit covers 25 years, including four series of photos in this exhibit: "Los Toros," "Dog Run," "Mountain Ranch" and "Sin Tiempo." This collection was the winner of the 2008 International Photography Awards, with the "Dog Run" photos being taken in the Twin Cities as well as in New York.

Continuous Displays of Minnesota Photography
Sivertson Gallery
14 W Wisconsin St
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(218) 387-2491
sivertson.com

361 Canal Park Drive
Duluth, MN 55802
(888) 815-5814
Cost: Free
Hours: Both locations, Mon to Sat - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A destination unto itself, Sivertson, now with two locations on Minnesota's North Shore, has been captivating locals and visitors to the area since 1982. It expanded from a small white house in picturesque Grand Marais, to a second Duluth location in bustling Canal Park in 1995. Displaying the work of more than 60 artists with a major focus on the beauty of Minnesota's Arrowhead region, Sivertson Gallery offers for sale a wide variety of incredible photographs of Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters' Canoe Area.

Related: Best Small Exhibits In Unexpected Places In The Twin Cities

"Craig Blacklock's Lake Superior"
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
800 Riverview Drive
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 474-6626
minnesotamarineart.org

When: May 31 through September 30, 2012
Cost: Adults - $6, Immediate family rate - $20, Students - $3, Age 4 and younger - Free
Hours: Tues to Sun - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon - Closed

Renowned Moose Lake, Minnesota photographer Craig Blacklock brings a collection of his favorite Lake Superior photos to this riverfront museum beginning at the end of May. Visitors rave about this little-known gem of a museum on Winona's riverfront for its intimate setting yet boasting collection. Blacklock has published 17 books highlighting the natural beauty of Minnesota's North Shore and its rugged Lake Superior shoreline.

"New Pictures 6: Martin Parr" 
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 3rd Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(800) 642-2787
artsmia.org
When: Now through August 5, 2012

Where: Linda and Lawrence Perlman Gallery (262)
Cost: Free
Hours: Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thurs - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon - Closed

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts' continuing photographic series highlights the work of Martin Parr, one of the most highly regarded photographers of our time. Parr likes to inject humor into his photos of daily life. He received the Royal Photographic Society Centenary Medal in 2008. Invited to take photos of Minnesota during a typical winter season, the British photographer found he had no shortage of subject matter which included hockey being played on frozen ponds as well as ice fishing.

"The Sports Show: Minnesota"
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 3rd Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(800) 642-2787
artsmia.org

When: Now through September 2, 2012
Where: Harrison Photography Gallery (365)
Cost: Free
Hours: Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thurs - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon - Closed

Minnesota sports run the spectrum from our collegiate teams like the University of Minnesota, to professionals including the Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves and Wild. With photos dating back to the early 19th century depicting car races at the Minnesota State Fair, this fascinating exhibit captures images of the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes' that will have you reminiscing about years gone by. Upload your own Minnesota sports pictures to the museum's "The Sports Show: Sports Memories" on Flickr, and it may become part of the show itself at the entry to the Harrison Photography Gallery.

Related: A Look at MIA's Outdoor Art

New York City native Marc Friedman has called the Twin Cities home for nearly 30 years. His urban upbringing has him constantly exploring Minneapolis and St. Paul for locally owned dining spots and neighborhood shops. Marc's passions include travel, an industry which he has worked in his entire career, indie movies, a strong cup of tea with milk (his Mom is from England), dark chocolate, red wine and the Daily Show. His work can be found at Examiner.com.